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The Best Rice Pudding Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Lea
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This classic rice pudding recipe delivers a creamy, comforting dessert made by gently simmering medium-grain rice in milk and water, sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. Raisins add a chewy texture, while a touch of butter enriches the pudding before it is served warm or chilled, garnished with cinnamon and optional maraschino cherries.

Ingredients

Milk & Liquids

  • 3 1/2 cups whole milk, divided (3 cups + 1/2 cup)
  • 5 cups water

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup medium-grain rice (uncooked)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Garnishes

  • Ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish)
  • Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients and simmer: In a large pot over just less than medium heat, add 3 cups of milk, water, rice, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently to prevent the milk from burning or scalding.
  2. Cook rice until tender: When the mixture begins to bubble, which should take about 15-25 minutes, reduce heat to low. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for another 25-35 minutes, until the rice softens and the mixture thickens, reducing the liquid by about half.
  3. Temper the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the egg together with the remaining 1/2 cup of milk. Gradually add approximately 1 cup of the hot rice mixture to the egg mixture while stirring to temper the egg, preventing curdling. Then add the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously.
  4. Add raisins and vanilla: Stir in the raisins and vanilla extract, and continue cooking for another 3 minutes or until you reach the desired thickness. Keep in mind the pudding will thicken further as it cools.
  5. Finish with butter and optional cinnamon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the unsalted butter. If you like, mix in ground cinnamon for flavor, keeping in mind it will darken the pudding's color.
  6. Serve warm or chill: The pudding can be served warm immediately or allowed to cool. For chilled pudding, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with ground cinnamon and maraschino cherries, if desired. Enjoy your creamy, delicious rice pudding!

Notes

  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the milk and rice from sticking or burning.
  • Tempering the egg is essential to avoid scrambling it when adding to the hot pudding base.
  • The pudding will thicken more as it cools, so cook it slightly less thick than you want the final texture.
  • Use whole milk for the best creamy texture; lower-fat milk will yield a thinner pudding.
  • Chilling the pudding enhances the flavors and texture, but it is also delicious served warm.
  • Optional garnishes like ground cinnamon and maraschino cherries add color and a flavor boost.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesbylea.com/the-best-rice-pudding-recipe/